External defibrillation with automatic post-shock Anti-tachycardia (APSAT) pacing based on pre-shock ECG

Abstract

A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special pulse sequence. The special pulse sequence includes a defibrillation shock that is automatically followed by a quick succession of automatic post-shock anti-tachycardia (APSAT) pacing pulses. Because of the pacing pulses, the defibrillation shock can be of lesser energy than an equivalent defibrillation shock of a larger energy. Accordingly, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 802,399, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 711,845, filed on Oct. 10, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]In humans, the heart beats to sustain life. In normal operation, the heart pumps blood through the various parts of the body. In particular, the various chambers of the heart contract and expand periodically, and coordinated so as to pump the blood regularly. More specifically, the right atrium sends deoxygenated blood into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs, where it becomes oxygenated, and from where it returns to the left atrium. The left atrium pumps the oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The left ventricle then expels the blood, forcing it to circulate to the various parts...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about an external defibrillator that uses a special pulse sequence consisting of a defibrillation shock followed by quick automatic post-shock anti-tachycardia pacing pulses. This special pulse sequence allows for a lower energy defibrillation shock, making the external defibrillator smaller and lighter without sacrificing its therapeutic effect. This makes it easier to transport, handle, and wear the defibrillator.

Problems solved by technology

Sometimes, however, the electrical control system of the heart malfunctions, which can cause the heart to beat irregularly, or not at all.

Some types of arrhythmia may result in inadequate blood flow, thus reducing the amount of blood pumped to the various parts of the body.

In a SCA, the heart fails to pump blood effectively, and, if not treated, death can occur.

In fact, it is estimated that SCA results in more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States alone.

When that happens, the heart does not pump enough blood to deliver enough oxygen to the vital organs.

A challenge with defibrillation is that the electrical shock must be administered very soon after the onset of VF.

Regardless, VF can occur unpredictably, even to a person who is not considered at a high risk.

During VF, the person's condition deteriorates, because the blood is not flowing to the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs, which can be damaged as a result.

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